Zingg's convocation stresses working with the community

Chico State President Paul Zingg addresses school administrators, faculty, students, and members of the community during the spring 2014 convocation held Thursday in Harlen Adams Theatre.(Dan Reidel/Staff Photo)

CHICO — Working with the community was the theme of Chico State University President Paul Zingg's spring 2014 convocation speech on Thursday.

Zingg addressed several issues, including homelessness and the digital revolution during the speech to begin the semester in Harlen Adams Theatre in the university's performing arts center.

Recent accomplishments

Chico State hired two new deans last semester, the business college re-earned its accreditation, and the school won a sustainability award.

Zingg thanked many of the people responsible for the accomplishments and made occasional "shout outs" during his speech to recognize people in the community and at the school responsible for the successes.

He also spoke of the new arts and humanities building construction and said it will be a building Madison Bear Garden will be happy to have as a neighbor.

"Our campus buildings no longer turn stark, high walls to their neighbors," he said.

Homelessness

The university has several services to help with the homeless population, including the Chico Ambassadors Homeless Advocates, the Community Legal Information Center, the Blitz Build program, and many students who volunteer with the Jesus Center and the Torres Shelter.

There is a delicate balance and the debate over homelessness in Chico has not been "a model of civil discourse," Zingg said.

He encouraged the programs at the school to continue working toward a solution and to serve the good of the public.

The city has often turned to the university for help and received it, he said.

University improvements

The university needs to increase research opportunities for faculty, Zingg said.

He praised the efforts of the school's faculty and said more research opportunities will enhance student mentoring and learning.

The school has been running a coordinated fundraiser and Zingg said it will soon move into the public phase of that fundraiser.

Administrators will also update the strategic plan, which outlines the university's mission and plans for the future.

Digital revolution

"The digital revolution has provided unprecedented freedom to do things, alone," Zingg said.

Because of advances in digital technology, the culture has become one of a "placeless society," he said. Companies can go anywhere.

That placelessness makes it necessary to cultivate and achieve a sense of place in Chico, Zingg said.

Students often ask what their career will be and who will be their life partner, but now they are also asking where will they live, he said. They will choose places with a clear sense of identity, spirit and values, and Chico has those things.

The city has a "vibrant cultural scene," he said.

"Our university and town are powerfully connected to each other," he said. "Neither would prosper as much without the other, and we share certain values, engagements and expectations."